YOUNG offenders in North Wales on a character-building course were questioned by police after a car was stolen.

The four youths went missing during a five-day stay at the Opendoor Centre in Dolgellau.

They were among a group from Stoke Heath Young Offenders Institution, in Shropshire, on a £325-a-person trip funded by the tax-payer.

Police were called following reports the youths had gone missing at 4am.

It was later confirmed a car stolen close to the centre was involved in a smash in Welshpool.

The group, aged 17-21, were among eight people taking part in an outdoor activities course at the centre run by former soldier Dave Orange.

He said he was concerned the incident would damage the reputation he had built up over 25 years.

He said: "I've had three incidents over 25 years where I've had to call the police out. I run a tight ship.

"I was told that no one would be sent on the courses who would cause any problems and in the past none have.

"I have been involved in outdoor pursuits for over 14 years. We have been here at Dolgellau since last April. I do everything by the book. That's how I have always operated.

"Last year we had three groups of prisoners from Stoke Heath. These were people who were already on day release and were soon to be released on licences.

"I have met with the local police inspector who was initially concerned that they had not been informed that a group from Stoke Heath Prison was in the area.

"I was under the impression that as this was a Government project then the police would have been informed. There are never more than eight at a time and there are always two prison officers with them. It was definitely a one-off.

"I don't lock people up here. It's not a prison. These are human beings we're dealing with."

A spokesman for the Home Office said: "An incident did occur of which we are aware.

"It is very rare for this to happen. Last year 250,000 prisoners were given similar licence opportunities and nationally only 278 misbehaved.

"I have to emphasise that prisoners on these courses very rarely cause problems. After all they are about to be released and any problems would put their release in jeopardy."

The Prison Service and Crown Prosecution Service are now discussing whether the offenders should be dealt with internally. They have returned to Stoke Heath but must report back to police on March 3.

A Prison Service spokesman said: "If somebody is already in custody there might be a reduced public interest in trying them for a relatively minor offence."

Companies who use Opendoor for team-building exercises include banks, building societies and electricity supplier Npower.

Mr Orange says he has also spoken to the makers of I'm a Celebrity, Get Me Out of Here! about designing the Bush-tucker Trials for the next series.